Super Smash Bros Adventures chapter 28
Back at the Smash Mansion, all the Smashers are eating lunch at the Cafeteria. A lot of them felt uneasy about Peach's kidnapping and hope that she's ok.
"Hey Lyn, why aren't you eating?" Zelda asks.
Lyn looks down and plays with her food. "Not feeling quite hungry right now."
"Are you worried about Mario saving Peach alone?" Lucina asks.
"I guess that's a way you can put it. I know that he's really strong and can save Peach, but when he said that it's his duty to save her alone like that, I can't help but worry a bit. Can he at least ask help with saving Peach once in a while?" Lyn wonders.
"That's just how Mario is most of the time. There are times he ask for help, but most of the time he can save Peach by himself. Mario really cares for Peach since she's one of the people he really cares a lot for. So he always puts on a strong face." Luigi says.
"As he comes back, everything will be back to normal. Mario will save the Princess like he always does and both come back smiling. Like how he always save her from me." Bowser says.
Mario comes back to the Smash Mansion and rushes to the Smash Cafeteria. "Everyone!"
"Mario, welcome back!" Luigi happily greeted.
"You saved the Princess as usual. Not that I'm expecting less from you." Bowser says.
"No time to talk! Peach is in danger!" Mario cried.
The Smashers turned shocked after hearing what Mario said. Mario rushes to his room and places Peach on her bed. He grabs a One Up Mushroom from his inventory and feeds it to her. After doing so, nothing happened.
"Why's nothing happening?!" Mario quickly grabs another One Up Mushroom and feeds her again. "Nothing's working!"
Luigi, Bowser, Link, Pit, Charizard, Little Mac, and Robin arrived at the room. It was so lent between the two.
"Mario, what's the matter? What happened to Peach?" Luigi worryingly asks.
"It's too late for her now…" Mario sadly says.
"Don't tell me… she's gone?!" Bowser worryingly asks.
Mario nods his head up and down, making them shocked. They didn't expect anything terrible to happen at all.
"Oh no…" Pit sadly says.
"How unfortunate... I didn't think we would lose anyone like this." Link sadly says.
"Same here. I thought fainting was bad enough, but this is just the worst." Charizard sadly says.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Mario." Little Mac sadly apologizes.
"I didn't think I'll see another fallen friend here in this world too." Robin sadly says.
Out of nowhere, Mario Punches a wall really hard, making a sound that's loud enough to be heard all around the Smash Mansion. Luigi and the rest stare in shock seeing him acting really miserable. They never seen him this way before.
"M… Mario?" Luigi worryingly called.
Mario looks at the Smashers with a sad look on his face with tears falling down out of his eyes. "Why?! Why does it have to end like this for her?! She doesn't deserves this at all! Peach, the most beautiful, caring, and loving person I laid eyes on for so long and now she's gone! I thought I would be able to successfully save her like I always do from my past adventures. If I asked you guys for help none of this would've happen. Everything I did for her and ends up like this?! This is all my fault… What kind of person am I?! I'm no Knight of the Mushroom Kingdom…I'm no hero… I'm no Super Mario… I'm just… a failure…"
The Smashers watches as Mario continue crying in sorrow. They couldn't help seeing him like this and try helping him out.
"It'll be ok, Mario." Charizard says.
"No, it'll not be ok!" Mario cried.
"Please Mario, let us comfort you." Robin suggests.
"Just leave me be. I need to be alone." Mario sadly asks.
"This won't help. You need us." Little Mac says.
"And I need to be alone. Now get out!" Mario cried.
The Smashers continue watching Mario crying on Peach's Bed. The Smashers decided to do what they're told, except for Bowser who's actually really angry.
"Bowser?" Link called.
"Let's get out of here." Pit says.
"No!" Bowser angrily says.
"But Mario said…" Luigi got cut off.
"But nothing!" Bowser angrily says.
Bowser goes up to Mario's picks him up with one arm and slams him into a wall. From below, the Smashers, can feel the rumbling which questions them what's happening.
"Are they ok up there?" R.O.B wonders.
"The loud noise and this rumbling. What is going on?" Villager wonders.
Sakurai goes up to check what's happening, until he hears knocking on the door. He opens the door and was glad to see who arrived. "You're just in time."
Mario struggles getting getting out of Bowser's grip, but couldn't move an inch. "Let go of me!"
Bowser angrily looks at Mario straight at his face like he's about to blow flames at him. "What's wrong with you?! Acting like a wimpy baby crying about his failure of saving Peach? Do you see me crying every time you rescue Peach from me? No! I suck it up and move forward to another plan. I can't believe how much a baby you are. How can I call you my arch enemy if I see you upset over one loss like that?!" After saying what he need to say, he lets go of him. "This isn't a Dream… it's real life. I too am sad seeing my precious Peach dying before us. But… would that make her happy if she sees you like this, blaming yourself for not saving her in time? She would desperate and won't rest peacefully. It'll be like it's her fault making you like this."
Mario looks at Bowser, who's also shedding some tears from his eyes. "Bowser…"
"As much as I hate to admit it, Bowser's right, Mario. We can't have you be sad like this for the rest of your life." Luigi says, as some tears come out of his eyes.
"As a Boxer, there are times that I want to quit after losing against Boxers stronger than me. But Doc told me to keep your head up and continue fighting. After doing that, I became the best Boxer in the world." Little Mac says.
"I also lost friends on the way from battles. As a technician, I was supposed to lead all my friends to victory, but had to make some sacrifices on the way. I always blamed my self for their lives, but I have people told me they did it for us to move forward." Robin says.
"Peach also want you to move on. She knows that it's not your fault this happened. You have to continue to be strong for her." Charizard says.
"Don't forget, you always have us. We'll always be here for you whenever you need us. We're you're friends, Mario." Pit says.
"If there's something that's hurting you, it's hurting all of us. We're united as one, Mario. Share the pain with us and we'll get through it together." Link says.
Mario looks at each Smasher supporting him. He knows that being sad isn't what's best or what Peach wants for him. What's best now is to move forward and do everything he can to be the best man he can be. No matter where she is, she'll always watch over him and be proud for the man that she called, a Hero.
Mario wipes out all the tears from his eyes and tries being strong. "You guys are right, I'm not being myself. If it's for the best, I'll make sure I stay strong for Peach."
As Mario is about to give a hug to each Smasher, Sakurai arrived at the scene. "I heard what was going on. Luckily, I invited someone that could help save Peach.
Mario looks at Sakurai with a surprised look full of hope. "You did? Who?"
"I was supposed to bring him here another time, but decided that it's the best time now." Sakurai introduces the guest.
A man who's identical to Mario, but wearing a Doctor's uniform has arrived.
"Hello everyone! It's a me, Dr. Mario!"
"Dr. Mario?! Wait, you're a Doctor, Mario?!" Pit surprisingly asks.
"Yes I am, but this is another Mario from another universe. It's nice to see you again." Mario greeted, shaking hands with him.
"It's good to be back. A lot has changed since the Super Smash Bros Melee tournament." Dr. Mario says, looking around.
"You have something that can help Peach?" Luigi asks.
"Possibly, it's my first time using it on someone who can't revive after eating a One Up Mushroom." Dr. Mario replies, taking out his supplies from his bag.
"We'll leave this to you then." Sakurai says.
The Smashers and Sakurai watched Dr Mario to do his work. He brings out a huge case full of One Up Mushrooms, Life Shrooms, and other kinds of items that can help. First thing he does was mixing up ten One Up Mushrooms and five Life Shrooms together into dust. Next, he puts in a blender and added a Shroom Shake and blends it together. Lastly, he pours the finished shake in a glass and adds one last Life Mushroom and it's finally complete. "Looks good."
"That's a lot of Healing Items you put, Doc." Bowser says.
"After studying on how to revive the dead, this is a big theory craft I learned. This is our best shot in saving Peach." Dr. Mario says.
"Allow me to pour it." Mario says.
"Oh ok. Here you go. Make sure she drinks every last drop." Dr. Mario says, giving the shake.
Mario goes up to Peach, opens her mouth, and pours the upgraded shake into her. "That does it."
"Is she going to be ok?" Charizard asks.
"If it works, it'll take a couple of minutes to take effect." Dr. Mario says.
"Wow! I didn't think I'll see another Mario here for this tournament." Robin surprisingly says.
"We do have three Links and two Pits here in this tournament." Little Mac reminds.
"How about I give you a nickname? What about… Mariotoo?" Pit suggests.
"Uh… just Doctor Mario is good." Dr. Mario says.
"Now I have two arch enemies I'll be staying with. Great…" Bowser says, placing his arms together.
"Come on, Bowser. The more the merrier, right?" Dr. Mario giggles.
Mario looks at Peach and notices some movement. Her arms and body slightly moving, her breathing slowly returning her body, and lastly, her eyes open and the first person she sees was her Hero.
"M… Mario?" Peach says.
"Peach!" Mario hugs Peach really tightly in his arms. "Peach, you came back!"
The Smashers watch as they see Mario happily see Peach returning back to life. Smiles come around and they were all glad to see their friend back to normal.
"Oh, Mario… What's going on? Did something happen to me?" Peach asks.
"Huh? You don't remember what happened?" Mario surprisingly asks.
"Not at all. I thought I woke up from a really long nap. I have a dream that I was kidnapped and Princess and Elder Princess Shroob was there." Peach explains.
Mario let's go of Peach. "The truth is… Uhh… What you said is real. You actually died from them."
Peach gasps in shock couldn't believe what he said. "What?! I died?!"
"Mario went by himself to save you from them." Pit explains.
"We tried going with him, but he wanted to do it alone since it's his "duty"." Link says.
"Yeah, that's right. Right after I beat them, you were dead because of some kind of new Poison Mushroom. Luckily for us, Dr. Mario came to help." Mario says.
Dr. Mario waves at the Princess. "Good to see you again, Princess."
"Dr. Mario, thank you so much for saving me. I'm in debt to you." Peach thanked.
"No biggie. That's what Doctors are here for." Dr. Mario says.
Peach looks at Mario and smiles. "And thank you for always being there for me whenever I get in trouble. You're my Hero, Mario."
Marios face turns red and his heart skips a huge beat. "Of course, Princess. I'll always be there to help you."
As the two of them are about to have their moment, someone called out to them.
"Princess Peach?!"
A voice was heard from outside of the room. Appeared was a green haired man in really formal clothing and a crown that looks almost identical to Peach's. The man stared in relief seeing the Princess up and lively.
"Princess Peach!"
Peach pulled out a huge smile on her face. "Prince Haru!"
The two of them embrace each other with their arms. The Smashers around were completely surprised, except for Mario who's more shocked.
"Is…is that…" Mario shockingly says.
"I'm happy to see you here, Haru." Peach happily greeted.
"I heard from Toadsworth that you were taken away. Luckily I made contact with Sir Sakurai so I can come by earlier." Prince Haru says.
"Wait, is this the lucky guy who you're going to marry?" Pit surprisingly asks.
"This is the man I'm going to be marrying." Peach happily replies.
"My name is Prince Haru. It's an honor to meet everyone here." Prince Haru introduces himself.
"So this guy will be Mario's replacement." Little Mac says.
"Little Mac! Don't say it like that." Charizard hisses.
"He looks like someone who can take care of Peach in good hands. I have no problem with them getting married to each other." Robin says.
"Same here." Link agrees.
"I guess that's fine… Even though I would make a better Prince." Bowser admits.
"Oh Bowser, you and your silly jokes." Peach giggles.
"I was serious." Bowser said quietly.
"We finally get to see him in person for the first time. What do you think of Prince Haru, Mario?" Luigi asks.
Mario stayed quiet, watching Peach and Prince Haru happily talking to each other like a lovely couple. Smashers around were happy to see Prince Haru as they see them looking like a beautiful couple together, making him feel the opposite of what everyone else thinks. "Prince Haru, the man who'll be marrying Peach... He looks like a nice guy. Good looks, born from a Royal family, and top of it…. They look like they're meant for each other…" At this moment, his heart crumbled into tiny pieces.
Prince Haru goes up to Mario and Luigi. "You two must be the ones that always protect Princess Peach. It's nice to meet you two heroes. I've heard so many stories about you."
"Oh really? It's nice that you heard about our many adventures. Right, Mario?" Luigi says.
"Yeah…" Mario walks out of the room.
The Smashers watches Mario walking away with a sad look in his face and Peach goes after him.
"Mario wait!" Peach stops him by holding his hand.
Mario looks down at his Peach's hands holding onto his. It was almost forever since they held hands like this, but that moment can't last anymore. "Please let go of me. I'm not in a good mood right now."
Peach looks at Mario with a sad look and let's go of his hands. "Mario…"
Mario continues walking away and tells her one more thing before he leaves. "Tell Prince Haru… It's nice meeting him."
Peach watches as Mario walks down the stairs alone with a really sad look in his face. She couldn't bear seeing him like this, especially the time when she denied his proposal. The old wound that she thought was gone returned. "Mario… I'm… sorry…" Tears fall down from her eyes as she watches him leaving the Smash Mansion without any word.
…
It was a nice night as all the Smashers gathered around together in the Ball Room for dinner with Prince Haru. Peach and Prince Haru got to the center of the room as they have something they would like to announce.
"Everybody, thank you all for having me here as a special guest here in the Smash Mandion. We would like to announce something really special so hope you all have our attention for only a minute." Prince Haru says.
"So many people here have been wondering, when's the wedding is going to be? I'm happy to announce that it'll be happening in six months from today." Peach happily announces.
"That's right! We'll be getting married soon so hope that everyone will be able to attend. It'll be held at my Castle from our world so hope we can see you all there." Prince Haru happily announces.
The Smashers in the room cheered for the two of them. The room gotten loud with a lot of smiles around and cheers from all of them. Peach looks around the room for Mario, but notices that he wasn't here which made her really upset.
"Mario really isn't here… Hope he feels better soon." Peach thinks to herself.
In the front of the Smash Mansion, Mario is sitting down on the stairs all by himself. He looks up in the sky as he starts remembering all the things he and Peach did together such as talking, dancing, playing games, saving her, and all the times he saved her and kisses he received from doing so. It was the best memories she have with her and it felt like to him that it all gone to waste.
"Why am I like this? I thought I would be happy for the two of them, but I feel the exact opposite. Can this pain ever go away?" Mario says to himself.
"There you are. Ive been looking all over for you."
Mario looks behind him and sees Lyn going up to him. "Oh Lyn… Sorry, but I need to be alone. Can you leave me be?"
"Sorry Mario, but I can't let you be alone like this." Lyn sits next to Mario on the stairs.
Mario stands right up and walks away. Lyn gets back up and grabs his arm.
"What are you doing? Let go of me." Mario demanded.
"You're not going away that easily." Lyn says.
Mario sighs. "Fine, I'll stay a little longer. Can you let me go?"
Lyn let's go of his arm. "Now Mario… Why aren't you inside with us? Peach and Prince Haru were announcing when the wedding is happening and it's happening in six months."
"Six months? Wish they could do it sooner and get it over it. It'll be easier for both of us." Mario says.
Lyn gets irritated from seeing Mario acting this way. It's time for her to step up with her mother like instinct. "Stop that."
"Stop what? I'm not doing anything wrong." Mario says.
"You're acting so stubborn! Why are you acting like this?" Lyn asks.
"How am I acting stubborn? Look, if we're not going to talk anymore then leave me alone. I don't feel like talking to anyone right now. If you need me, I'll be in my room." Mario says, as he tries walking away again.
Lyn couldn't handle Mario acting like this and stops him again by grabbing him by the arm and without second thought, she slaps him in the face with all her might, making a pink mark in his face. "Mario! Just tell me what's in your mind. I'm trying to help you, but you're just distancing yourself. Everyone's worried about you since you're not joining us for this special dinner. I'm sorry to ask… But is it about… Peach and Prince Haru?"
Mario stares at Lyn and then looks down on the ground. He knows he can't hide it forever so he has to admit the truth. "Yes it is."
"I thought you accepted them being together already." Lyn reminds.
"I did say that… just to make Peach upser if I told her the truth of how I really feel." Mario admits.
"What do you mean?" Lyn asks.
"To tell you the truth… I don't really think I want to accept their marriage together. Most of the time I've been with Peach, I was the one who's always there for her when she's in trouble. I risked my life to save her because she was the love of my life. We did so many things with each other that my relationship with her grew and grew. It was one of the happiest things that ever happened and I didn't want it to stop. Then after hearing about how she can't marry me because of an arranged marriage broke me. Its like my heart sank like a rock down to the very bottom of the ocean. I couldn't believe it… Then after seeing what happened today, it got worst for me. I saw the two of them hug and kissed each other and it was like… Peach… She…" Mario stutters as he's afraid to say it.
"You think that… Peach has already moved on?" Lyn finishes up his sentence.
"Yeah… that's it. They looked like they were so happy together. Even Link, Pit, Luigi, and the other Smashers looked like they were happy for them. To me, it was torture seeing them like that. Peach marrying to a man I never seen before hurts as I don't even know about him. Where was he when Peach was in trouble? Where was he when Peach is having parties or meetings with other Kingdoms? I was there for Peach longer than he has. How can someone like him get the upper hand above me? I just don't get it.."Mario cried.
Lyn watches as she sees tears coming down from Mario's face. Knowing that look, it reminded her of what happened to her back in her world. "Mario… I… I didn't know you feel that way…"
"Now you know the truth… I wish this arranged marriage never existed. If it hadn't, I would be the one to marry Peach and not Prince Haru. And what will hurt me even more, is if she starts forgetting about me. If that happens then I can't do anything about it. I'll have to just accept it and move on… Like this wedding…" Mario sadly says.
Lyn stares down at Mario as tears fall down from his eyes. She couldn't help seeing her friend looking sad like that. What can she do to cheer him up. The only thing she can think of is this. She places her arm around Mario to comfort him. It's not much, but it's the best she can offer right now. "You know Mario, I don't think Peach will ever forget about you. Remember everything you done for her. You visit her almost everyday in her castle, always have some happy moments hanging around with her, playing games and sports together, and don't forget all the many times you saved her from Bowser and other villains in your world. Do you really think she'll move on and forget about you just like that? You're really important to her, Mario. How can she forget a kind, funny, selfish, and heroic person like you? When I talk to Peach, she always tells me things of how much of an amazing person you are. Makes me kind of jealous to have someone like that to be honest. So what I'm saying is you have to accept Peach and Prince Haru's wedding. Maybe not now is a good time, but in the future yes. I know you'll be able to get over it because you're Super Mario. And Super Mario, will always be a strong person that Peach will never forget. She still loves you, Mario. Don't you ever forget that."
Mario stops crying right after hearing Lyn's words. He looks up to her and sees a innocent looking smile that shows how much she cares for him. Slowly his heart raises up from the bottom of the sea and reached to the bright sun in the sky. He learned that even though he can't love Peach the same way before, he can always lover her as a friend who's always there for her. Sure it's still a long way to go to fully accept their marriage, but this is where he needs to action. And that time is now.
"You know Lyn, I'm really happy I have a friend like you. Telling me this makes me feel a lot better. I maybe upset still, but I really have time to grow up and accept their wedding. If I can't do that, how else am I going to continue on? Being stuck in this shell forever won't do me any good. I'll have to break out and be the best person for Peach when her Wedding comes. I'll do it! I'll fight on and one day will accept them for their marriage. If it'll make Peach happy, then it'll make me happy."
Lyn smiles even bigger seeing her friend's feeling better. That's the Mario she knows when they first met. "That's what I like to hear. Looks like you're slowly going back to your old self."
"And it's all thanks to you. Thank you, Lyn!" Mario thanked with gratitude.
"Glad I can help." Lyn happily says.
Suddenly, a loud rumbling noise came from Mario's stomach. Looks like he's really back to his normal self.
"Uhh… is there still food left in the Ballroom?" Mario embarrassingly asks.
"There's still a lot ready for you." Lyn replies.
Mario smiles and jumps up to his feet. "Then let's a go!"
Mario and Lyn arrived back to the Ballroom and were greeted by the Smashers, welcoming them back. Mario goes up to Peach and Prince Haru and apologizes for the bad behavior and not being here earlier. The two of them accept their apology and Mario continues talking with them hoping for a better time knowing about the kind of person Prince Haru really is.